Cigars.ie

Christmas Corona Gordas, Day 7: Partagas Serie D No. 3 EL 2001

It is new year’s eve and I have chosen a special cigar for tonight, to farewell 2011. My corona gorda for tonight is the Partagas Serie D No.3 Edicion Limitada 2001. Although it was meant to be released in 2001, most of the D no.3’s were actually released in 2002, as the Cubans realized they didn’t have enough two year aged leaves for the whole production of the five 2001 limitadas. The very first ones were released with the old traditional Partagas band, with the new, rectangular band used from 2002. The D No.3 was released again a few years later in 2006, along with the other two most popular limitadas. I am starting this cigar earlier than the last few days, hoping that the new year will not find me editing photos!

The D No.3 is not one of the prettiest corona gordas. When I first got some of these sticks they were box pressed, almost square, but after a few years loose in my humidor, this one has almost regained its rounded shape. Both of the bands however seem to have maintained their four corners! The bunch is solid and the triple cap is rounded and sloppy. The wrapper is dark and has the shade of a chestnut shell. It is veiny, wrinkly but also oily and smooth to touch. The foot has strong fruity aromas and the prelight draw is good with earthy and spicy aromas.

The initial draw shows strong, rich flavours of pepper and cedar, with a lot of edge. It tastes almost harsh. But it is not long before it settles down, becoming a lot more smooth and refined. It is not yet as strong as I would have expected. Medium body and flavours of espresso and dark chocolate are in the lead, with a some notes of flowers and cedar closely following. The D no.3 is incredibly smooth and unexpectedly sweet for a Partagas. A beautiful solid, almost white, ash is forming on the foot of the cigar, and holds on tight until you smoke in the second third.

In the second third the D No.3 picks up the pace; it is now medium to full bodied with even more flavours now joining the mix. Plums, chocolate, espresso, hay and leather, all in great depth and harmony, this cigar is smoking exceptionally well. The burn is even and the draw is perfect, with the cigar producing clouds of thick smoke. Just before the second third finishes, it turns into full bodied, with some black pepper appearing, without being strong enough though to cover the sweet palate.

In the last third the sweet flavours subside, giving way to a richer mixture of earth, cedar and black pepper. The body is still full and it requires some time, as smoking it quickly makes it hot. I adjust my pace and the D3 is back producing cool and deep flavours. I haven’t used my lighter since I lit it up and I had to force the ash to drop twice, to prevent it from meeting my keyboard. The swapping of flavours still continues, with mint and mushrooms being the last of them to appear towards the end. I smoked this to the point that i could not hold it without getting my lips and fingertips burned. What a fantastic cigar!

The Partagas Serie D No.3 has grown up and has now riched its maturity. It is no more a bold young buck but it has a smooth, creamy and sweet tame character. Don’t be fooled, it is not mild, but it has the edge of its full body well hidden underneath its sweet characteristics. It’s body and flavours evolved nicely from start to finish, which is always a must on a good cigar. I have enjoyed many of these over the years, but this is the best one I have had so far. The D No.3 smokes really well now, so if you have some hidden in your stash, take them out and smoke them; they won’t let you down. This is the only Corona Gorda Partagas have ever had in their post-revolution history and I hope that the guys in Habanos consider putting this cigar back in regular production. The big fat sizes are good, but we all love our corona gordas! 5 stars and 94 points for this beauty, and a great way to end a “smoking” year. Happy new year to all of you and may 2012 bring you everything you wish for.

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